Turkey takes center stage on the Thanksgiving table, but everyone knows the sides and desserts make the meal. From creamy mashed potatoes to cornbread stuffing, these classic Thanksgiving side dishes have you covered. Bonus: many of these recipes are make-ahead, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your friends and family on the big day.
Turkey is a versatile and delicious meat that can be served in a variety of ways. From roasted whole turkey for Thanksgiving to turkey cutlets and ground turkey, there are endless meal possibilities. However, figuring out what sides to serve alongside turkey can be a challenge. You want dishes that will complement the turkey flavor without overpowering it.
After cooking turkey for years, I’ve discovered some foolproof side dish pairings that never disappoint. Here are my top recommendations for what to eat with turkey, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Traditional Thanksgiving Sides
Turkey is the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals, so classic Thanksgiving sides are natural pairings. These dishes have stood the test of time for complementing turkey.
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Roasted Brussels sprouts – Toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F until caramelized. The nutty flavor balances the turkey.
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Classic bread stuffing – Made with toasted bread, celery, onions, sage, thyme, and broth, stuffing soaks up the turkey juices.
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Cranberry sauce – Tart sweet cranberry sauce cuts through the fattiness of the turkey. Opt for homemade over canned for more flavor.
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Mashed potatoes – Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base for turkey gravy. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for great flavor.
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Green bean casserole – This nostalgic casserole with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions is a Thanksgiving staple.
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Sweet potato casserole – Sweet potatoes topped with crunchy pecans and melted marshmallows make a delicious southern-inspired side.
Veggie Sides
Turkey goes great with fresh, seasonal roasted vegetables The sweetness of the veggies balances the savory meat
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Roasted carrots – Toss carrot sticks in olive oil, salt, pepper and roast until browned. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
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Roasted parsnips – Parsnips have an earthy sweetness that complements turkey. Roast like carrots.
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Roasted cauliflower – Roast cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden brown.
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Roasted broccoli – Toss broccoli florets in olive oil and roast until tender with crispy edges. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
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Roasted butternut squash – Cut butternut squash into 1-inch pieces, toss in olive oil and roast until caramelized.
Simple Sides
Keep things easy with these fuss-free sides that require minimal ingredients. Let the turkey shine as the star.
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Dinner rolls – Warm, fluffy rolls are perfect for sopping up turkey gravy. Brush rolls with melted butter before serving.
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Mashed cauliflower – Steam cauliflower florets until very soft then mash with butter, salt and pepper for a low-carb side.
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Rice pilaf – Cook rice pilaf in turkey broth for extra flavor. Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
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Quinoa – Cook quinoa in turkey broth then toss with crunchy toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.
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Creamed spinach – Sauté spinach in olive oil with garlic then mix in heavy cream and parmesan.
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Steamed green beans – Lightly steam green beans then toss in melted butter and toasted almonds.
Salads
A light, fresh salad balances the richness of turkey. Go for bold flavors that can stand up to the meat.
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Kale salad – Massage kale with a lemon vinaigrette and mix in sweet dried cranberries and blue cheese crumbles.
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Greek salad – Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese with a red wine vinaigrette.
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Pomegranate spinach salad – Toss spinach, pomegranate seeds, goat cheese, and candied pecans with a balsamic vinaigrette.
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Apple salad – Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper for the dressing then toss with apples, pecans, raisins, and dried cranberries.
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Winter citrus salad – Mix together orange and grapefruit slices with avocado chunks, pomegranate seeds, and fresh mint.
Fall and Winter Sides
When turkey is served outside of the holidays, warm, seasonal sides hit the spot. Dig into these cozy dishes on chilly nights.
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Roasted apples – Core and slice apples, toss in brown sugar and cinnamon, and roast until tender.
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Butternut squash soup – Purée roasted butternut squash with onions, garlic, broth, and spices for a creamy, smooth soup.
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Braised red cabbage – Slow cook red cabbage wedges in red wine or apple cider vinegar until tender.
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Root vegetable gratin – Layer thinly sliced potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots then bake with an herb-parmesan cream sauce.
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Wild rice pilaf – Cook wild rice with broth and mix in toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs.
What Not to Eat with Turkey
Avoid strong, spicy, or overly rich sides that will compete with the turkey instead of complementing it. Steer clear of these:
- Heavy cream-based dishes like fettuccine alfredo or macaroni and cheese
- Spicy foods like chili, buffalo wings, or Szechuan dishes
- Rich meat dishes like prime rib or sausage
- Strong marinara-based pasta dishes
- Heavy casseroles with condensed soups
Key Tips for Picking Turkey Sides
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Seek balance – Pair lighter sides with richer turkey dishes and heartier sides with leaner turkey cuts.
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Make it seasonal – Opt for fall and winter veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts.
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Include crunch – Toast nuts, breadcrumbs, or fried onions to add textural contrast.
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Feature herbs – Herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley complement turkey well.
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Consider tartness – Tangy flavors from lemon juice, vinegars, or cranberries cut through the fattiness.
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Don’t forget starch – Stuffing, mashed potatoes, or dinner rolls give the meal more comfort.
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Limit competing flavors – Avoid strong flavors that will fight with the turkey rather than complement it.
Frequency of Entities:
turkey: 25
side: 16
dish: 15
roast: 7
vegetable: 6
flavor: 5
seasonal: 4
rich: 3
tart: 2
cranberry: 2
mash: 2
herb: 2
pilaf: 2
casserole: 2
competing: 1
brussel sprout: 1
bread stuffing: 1
green bean: 1
sweet potato: 1
dinner roll: 1
cauliflower: 1
broccoli: 1
butternut squash: 1
kale: 1
greek: 1
pomegranate: 1
spinach: 1
apple: 1
winter citrus: 1
roast apple: 1
braised red cabbage: 1
root vegetable gratin: 1
wild rice: 1
fettuccine alfredo: 1
macaroni cheese: 1
prime rib: 1
sausage: 1
marinara pasta: 1
condensed soup casserole: 1
24 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes are a must on Thanksgiving! Not only are they ultra-creamy and comforting but they can also be prepared up to 2 days in advance and reheated in the microwave—a bonus over the holidays when space in the oven and on the stove is at a premium. Get the recipe.
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without stuffing, and this version is my all-time most requested. The recipe is a cinch to make because it uses store-bought stuffing cubes, and the addition of sausage adds a ton of flavor without the need for a lot of other seasonings. Get the recipe.
A gratin is a delicious way to turn vegetables into true comfort food. Using heavy cream in place of a béchamel sauce keeps the sauce simple, making the dish perfect for the busy holidays. Get the recipe.
Cranberry sauce is the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey, and homemade is so much more delicious than the canned variety. The addition of orange zest and juice make this version a bit more special for the holidays. Get the recipe.
If ever there were a dish worthy of a special occasion, it would be potatoes au gratin. Made with layers of potatoes, heavy cream, and Parmigianno-Reggiano, it is ultra-rich and worth every single calorie. Get the recipe.
This easy steakhouse-style creamed spinach dish is the perfect rich side dish to lean roast turkey. Made with frozen spinach, it is quick, easy, and make-ahead. Get the recipe.
Enriched with eggs, challah cubes make a deliciously rich base for stuffing. This version is crispy on top and chockfull of buttery, earthy wild mushrooms. Get the recipe.
Are you accustomed to marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving? Try this version with a crunchy brown sugar-pecan streusel and you’ll never look back! Get the recipe.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are delicious all on their own, but tossing them with a bit of honey and balsamic vinegar after pulling them out of the oven takes them to the next level. Consider yourself warned — these are hard to stop eating straight from the pan! Get the recipe.
These buttermilk biscuits are flaky, buttery, and rich, and have a beautiful golden exterior. Bonus: you can prepare them ahead and bake them right before serving. Get the recipe.
Over the holidays, you can usually find haricots verts, or French green beans, trimmed and ready to cook. Sautéed with shallots, these elegant beans pair nicely with anything from roast turkey, to seared salmon, to grilled steak. Get the recipe.
A close cousin to cornbread, spoon bread is creamy, rich, and – you guessed it – eaten with a spoon. While delicious in the summer made with fresh corn, it’s equally good as a Thanksgiving side dish made with frozen corn. Get the recipe.
Ordinary cooked carrots aren’t very exciting, but roasted carrots are a whole different story. Not only do they take on a delicious caramelized flavor, but they’re also super simple to make and will add lovely color to your Thanksgiving table. Get the recipe.
Rich and creamy mashed potatoes baked in crispy, salty potato skins, twice-baked potatoes make any meal feel like a celebration. Bonus: you can make them mostly ahead of time and even freeze them. Get the recipe
If you like traditional cranberry sauce, you’ll love this tart-sweet relish made with cranberries, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and pecans. Get the recipe.
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, this healthy cauliflower purée is the ticket. It’s so comforting and creamy, you won’t even miss the potatoes! Get the recipe.
Warm cornbread muffins are always a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving bread basket. You can whip up the batter for these muffins in no time, and they bake in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe.
This savory and sweet Brussels sprout salad is best made ahead of time, making it the perfect room temperature side dish for a holiday buffet. And leftovers pair perfectly with turkey sandwiches! Get the recipe.
This traditional cornbread and sausage stuffing has the consistency of spoon bread and golden, crispy top. The cornbread is homemade, so it takes a bit more time than traditional stuffing, but the recipe can be done in steps and is 100% worth the extra effort. Get the recipe.
The epitome of comfort food, this mac and cheese is extra creamy topped with crispy herb-flecked panko. The recipe is inspired by the macaroni and cheese served at Maple Ave, a restaurant in Vienna, VA. Get the recipe.
Need an impressive vegetable dish to bring to a holiday party? This is the one! With blistered and caramelized string beans, chunks of mellow garlic, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, it beats the traditional green bean casserole any day. Get the recipe.
Made with pumpkin purée, these hearty cornbread muffins are healthier than traditional cornbread but just as delicious. The pumpkin gives the muffins a gorgeous golden-brown color and sweet earthy flavor. Get the recipe.
This salad is a Thanksgiving potluck standout! Make-ahead and portable, it offers a refreshing change from richer, carb-heavy side dishes. Plus, it’s great as leftovers—just toss in some chopped roast turkey. Get the recipe
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FAQ
What is usually served with turkey?
What is a popular accompaniment for turkey?
What pairs best with turkey?
What can you eat with ground turkey?
Each of the below 15 recipes was crafted specifically to use ground turkey so you’ll have incredible sloppy Joes, lasagna, chili, and taco bowls to share with your family. Inspired by the classic Indian dish, aloo keema, this will be your new go-to comfort food. A simple, quick meal that will become a family favorite.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for beef?
Ground turkey is a lean meat you can use in just about any dish that calls for ground beef, and a great option if you’re trying to avoid beef. It is flavorful, versatile, and so delicious that Simply Recipes readers constantly seek recipes that highlight it.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.